We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Lavorato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started Marigold Sweets in 2010, my thought process revolved around how to operate as legally as possible while crafting a unique, high-end product. From the get-go I knew a consistent dose for edibles delivered in discreet packaging would garner a loyal customer base. From there, I built my brand around a reliable high and superior flavor. Boxes of my live-rosin infused salted caramels dipped in dark chocolate are available at MOTA in Silver Lake and Cornerstone in Eagle Rock.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started teaching people how to cook with weed online for The Edibles Club during the pandemic. It connected me to an amazing group of weed enthusiasts who love to cook and eat pot. Hosted on Patreon, the club broadcasts Incredible Edibles, the show that takes the cooking part of eating weed very seriously. The first season we shot in Thailand, where weed legalized in 2021. I also host livestreams, post weed-infused recipes, and hold contests for Edibles Club members. People can join at www.patreon.com/ediblesclub

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we would go to Dada in Echo Park for a coffee and then to Little Fish next door for a quick bite. Then I’d take them in my red Toyota pickup to Mota in Silver Lake to get a box of Marigold Sweets and head to Griffith Park. We would stop at Erewhon on the way to pick up smoothies and healthy snacks for a picnic in the park, then hike to the observatory to snap photos of the Hollywood sign.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I recently sold my cookbook and wrote my manuscript for How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time (coming out April 2025 under Simon Element) with the help of writer and editor Naomi Tomky. I took her food writing class, Write Like a Honey Badger, twice. As far as Marigold Sweet goes, the two dispensaries mentioned in my previous response, MOTA and Cornerstone both directly support my small edibles company.

Website: www.vanessalavorato.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessamarigold/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VanessaMarigold

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.lavorato/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessamarigold

Other: www.patreon.com/ediblesclub

Image Credits
Smoking Portrait: Cory Wright Portrait at Stove: Wes Stevens Food Photography: Lauren McGonagle

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